Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of luxury coffee beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee bean near me. It is typically used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a lighter aroma and higher caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee beans online up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee beans to buy. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.